200 gaming firms apply for new STL

By Perseus Echeminada, The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is reviewing the applications of at least 200 gaming firms seeking franchises to operate the Loterya ng Bayan that will replace the small town lottery (STL).

PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II said the PCSO is finalizing the review of STL that has been allowed to operate in some parts of the country until the Loterya ng Bayan starts operations.

The audit entails evaluation of the entire project, including the gaming companies complying with PCSO implementing rules and regulations.

Rojas said the result of the audit will be the basis for the operation of the PCSO Loterya ng Bayan (PLB) that has been postponed several times.

The launching of PLB has been deferred pending further evaluation of STL.